India Vs New Zealand, Match News
After a two-year Cycle, which extended due to the pandemic, The Championship comes down to one game. India Vs New Zealand, the last time these two faced off in an ICC Event, India was left heartbroken. While the event that day was a semi-final, the one now will be a tournament final. Twelve players from the current squad were present that day, and the history between them goes back to the 2008 U-19 World Cup Semi-finals, from which five players are in tomorrow’s squad.
For New Zealand, this is their third final in six years and possibly their best chance to win a final as they have been in England for a while. Unfortunately, their journey to the last was disturbed by the pandemic, as they lost a few games. However, with a change in the points system, New Zealand found themselves on top after a string of home series wins against West Indies, Pakistan, and India, while winning a series in Sri Lanka.
India, on the other hand, has been fortunate to play all the series in their cycle. The only series they lost was to the nation they will meet in a day. However, India has been pretty good throughout the process, dominating at home and scraping an unlikely win in Australia.
India Vs New Zealand, Team News
India has won an ICC tournament back in 2013 but has made it to the knockout stages in each event ever since. Despite dominating throughout the league stages of previous games, India found ways to lose in the knockouts and may feel the knockout pressure this time around.
With lots of speculations about the bowling combination, India has announced their line-up a day before the Test. They named both their star spinners and went with the experience of Ishant and Shami over Siraj. The announcement marks the return of Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammad Shami. Both players were injured during the Australian tour and missed the test series against England. With both returning, India will play Ishant, Bumrah, Shami, Ashwin, and Jadeja in a Test for the first time. With Jadeja’s batting, the line-up may continue to be used for a while as the side looks balanced.
New Zealand is coming into the finals after two Tests against England, and ideal preparation ahead of the finals. The side, however, may look completely different from the one that played in Edgbaston. Kane Williamson and BJ Watling are lined up to return along with Tim Southee, who was rested.
The bowling combination is still a puzzle, considering the depth involved. New Zealand has Ajaz Patel in the squad but may have to leave one of their pacers out to accommodate him. With Boult, Wagner, Southee, and Jamieson fixed, Henry and De Grandhomme may find themselves on the bench for Ajaz Patel.
India Vs New Zealand, Predicted XIs
India (Already Announced):
- Rohit Sharma
- Shubman Gill
- Cheteshwar Pujara
- Virat Kohli
- Ajinkya Rahane
- Rishabh Pant
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Mohammad Shami
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Ishant Sharma
New Zealand:
- Devon Conway
- Tom Latham
- Kane Williamson
- Ross Taylor
- Henry Nicholas
- BJ Watling
- Kylie Jamieson
- Colin De Grandhomme/Ajaz Patel
- Tim Southee
- Trent Boult
- Neil Wagner
India Vs New Zealand, Players to Watch out for
Kane Williamson:
The New Zealand skipper doesn’t have an excellent record in England, isn’t in great form, and is returning from an injury, but remains a player to watch out for. He is one of the calmest in business, and with one of the most extensive Tests in history, the calming effect may help. He did an excellent job against India in 2020, and the captain will hope to bring his A-game on the final.
Ajinkya Rahane:
While the Indian batting line-up is full of superstars and impact players, there is one player who has found himself away from the spotlight. Ajinkya Rahane spent his initial years in Test Cricket, playing overseas, and was successful in England. He is as technically equipped as anyone and is good at handling pressure. His leadership and slip fielding skills are an asset, and he may make a significant impact in the Test
India Vs New Zealand, Pitch Report
The Southampton pitch had a touch of grass on it a day ahead of the Test. However, the curator spoke of a pitch with bounce and pace a week ago. There is a bit of rain in the air, but in case the weather stays dry, the spinners will have a part to play later in the Test.
